Report tells Saskatchewan ‘Think BIG!’ about growth

It’s time for Saskatchewan to ‘Think BIG!’, say the province’s Certified Management Consultants of Saskatchewan.

The association’s ‘Think BIG! Saskatchewan’ campaign is aimed at spreading the word about the results of a study that offers important insights into how the province should plan for its economic future.

“Many of the things we found will not come as a surprise. The economy in Saskatchewan is doing well and people feel good about their prospects. However, our current prosperity is based on commodity cycles that can turn against us. This report suggests ways we can reduce that risk,” said CMC-Sask spokesperson Frank Hart.

While there is no single answer to reducing Saskatchewan’s vulnerability to commodity cycles, the report suggests a focal point that can drive efforts in the right direction: building urban economic regions with populations over 500,000.

“Large centres become self-sustaining engines of economic activity and help pull together other positive policies, like affordable housing and cultural development.”

As well, Hart emphasized that any effort to build bigger, better Saskatchewan urban economic regions should not come at the cost of rural areas.

“A rising tide lifts all boats. Bigger, better urban economic regions must involve partnerships among cities, RMs and towns. As well, they would attract more opportunities to the province, many involving investment and jobs in rural areas.”

Hart noted that steady growth in Saskatchewan also depends on increasing value-added processing and improving productivity and innovation.

To rally support for this initiative, CMC-Sask held one of the most widespread launch events ever seen in the province. CMC-Sask representatives made simultaneous presentations at five chambers of commerce events around the province.

“Our goal today is to get the conversation started. We believe it is essential for Saskatchewan people to start thinking and talking about our province’s long-term economic future.”